Interviewing in: Computer Science

Background on subject

Computer Science brings together disciplines including mathematics, engineering, the natural sciences, psychology and linguistics. It is about learning and understanding the mathematical, scientific and engineering principles underlying every kind of computing system.

For Oxford, A-level Maths is a subject requirement.

For Cambridge, A-level Maths is required, and an A-level in Further Maths is also a requirement for some colleges.

For Oxford, students have to sit the Mathematical Admissions Test (MAT).

For Cambridge, students have to sit the Cambridge Test of Mathematics for University Admission (CTMUA).

Computer Science.jpg

Can I interview in this subject?

You do not have to have studied Computer Science at university to give a robust and rigorous practice interview in this subject.

Volunteers from the following subjects, or similar, will also be able to deliver Computer Science interviews:

 

Interview types

There are two different types of practice interviews in Computer Science, which you may be asked to deliver. 

  1. Interview on 'application material' - asking the students' questions about their personal statement, or an essay they will submit as part of their application

  2. Interview on 'unseen material' - asking the students' questions on an article, study, or research paper they have not seen before, testing how they handle new material

SAMPLE Resources

Below you can access a folder of resources for conducting Computer Science interviews:

  1. Interview on application material - you can see a sample personal statement, highlighted with examples of questions which could be asked

  2. Interview on unseen material - you can see examples of articles which have previously been given to students, along with questions

These resources are intended for inspiration - to give you an idea of the level, length and themes of the material we use in our practice interviews. However, should you wish to use this material in the practice interviews you deliver, just let us know so we can make sure returning students haven't seen it before!